Road America history discussion at IMRRC

The International Motor Racing Research Center is going to host TNFs RA Historian, Tom Schultz, as he discusses the history of the Road America circuit on Saturday October 13th in Watkins Glen, New York.

During my years of marshalling for the CART series, the race at Elkhart Lake was always one of the most anticipated road courses of the year, for myself and so many others. I look forward to making the trip to Watkins Glen to hear Tom's wonderful insight and knowledge of this great track and the community that supports it. We hope that some of you are able to make it too.

TRACK HISTORIAN TO DISCUSS ROAD AMERICA’S HISTORY AT INTERNATIONAL MOTOR RACING RESEARCH CENTER ON OCT. 13

WATKINS GLEN, NY (Sept. 18, 2012) – Road America, described as one of the world’s most challenging road-racing courses, will be in the spotlight at the International Motor Racing Research Center’s final installment of its popular 2012 Center Conversations series “America’s Great Tracks” on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Tom Schultz, track historian at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin's Road America since 2000, will speak at 1 p.m. at the Center, located at 601 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, N.Y. The talk is free and open to all.

“Tom Schultz is uniquely qualified to tell the story of Road America and the three-year history of racing on public roads through and near the village of Elkhart Lake that preceded the construction of the permanent circuit,” said J.C. Argetsinger, president of the Racing Research Center. “Road America and Watkins Glen have a long history of friendship and cooperation as the two most distinguished and successful American road racing venues.”

Road America was the vision of civil engineer Clif Tufte, who spent almost a year planning the 4.048-mile circuit, which opened on the weekend of Sept. 10-11, 1955.

Phil Hill won the inaugural 148-mile feature SCCA National race in a Ferrari Monza, finishing side-by-side with the D-type Jaguar of Sherwood Johnston.

Tufte built the track on 525 acres of farmland. Millions of dollars in improvements have been made over the years, but the original 14-turn configuration has never been altered, according to the track’s website at http://www.roadamerica.com/.

Schultz celebrated the track’s 50th anniversary in 2005 with the book “Road America: Celebrating 50 Years of Road Racing.” His first book was “Road America, Five Decades of Racing at Elkhart Lake,” published in 1999.

Over the years he has been a photographic contributor to more than 10 racing books published worldwide.

Schultz retired in 2008 as senior vice president of Tri City National Bank in Milwaukee, Wis., after a career in banking.

He attended his first car race in May 1956 and has been an active fan ever since. He was press officer for the SCCA’s Olds Pro Series in 1993 and press officer for the club’s North American Pro Series in 1994. He was assistant press officer for the SCCA Trans-Am Series from 1995-2000.

Schultz has been a contributing editor of Sports Car magazine since 1980, and since 2006 has served as master of ceremonies for the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d'Elegance.

The “America’s Great Tracks” series carries on the mission of the International Motor Racing Research Center to preserve the history of motorsports in all series, at all tracks. Previous speakers in the series were J.J. O’Malley, Daytona International Speedway; William Edgar, Riverside International Raceway; and Donald Davidson, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

I certainly look forward to seeing and 'breathing in' the IMRRC on that day as well as having a look at the circuits new and old. I look forward especially to seeing what it looks like in Fall, on a date similar to that on which the US GP was hosted for many years.

It's going to be one of the highlights of my 6 weeks in the US. I only say 'one of' because I'll also be driving up Pikes Peak!

I look forward to meeting you Ray. The Fall colors and the beauty of the region are great reasons to visit, the racing history making it all the better. Enjoy your time Stateside - see you in a few weeks.

I certainly look forward to seeing and 'breathing in' the IMRRC on that day as well as having a look at the circuits new and old. I look forward especially to seeing what it looks like in Fall, on a date similar to that on which the US GP was hosted for many years.

On the same weekend as the Road America presentation at IMRRC the VRG (Vintage Racing Group) and F2000/F1600 champion series are racing at Watkins Glen. Offically its a non-spectator event, but there are ways to be an invited guest ;-)

Unfortunately it looks like Saturday's F2000 & F1600 race times conflict, so I'll be in the commentary booth rather than down in town

I'd love to hear that talk- remember watching Cliff walking around the pagoda many a time since my first visit there in the summer of '67 after graduating from high school. Would the talk be available on line after it is given????

Is there a way to have a podcast made so that hose of us that are unable to make the trip can hear the discussion?

Most of the talks are recoreded and sold as DVD's by the IMRRC. I have bought DVD's of the events I have missed. Last time I was at the center last April, I made some suggestions of improving the IMRRC's website to make it more usefull and relevant to promote the center. I have suggested podcasts and Youtube video's.

Here is one on IMRRC 50th Anniversary of Formula One at Watkins Glen, Formula Libre 1961 Formula One Races

Most of the talks are recoreded and sold as DVD's by the IMRRC. I have bought DVD's of the events I have missed. Last time I was at the center last April, I made some suggestions of improving the IMRRC's website to make it more usefull and relevant to promote the center. I have suggested podcasts and Youtube video's.

Thanks for the assistance Walter. I hope to see you there over the October 13-14 weekend.

Thanks for the assistance Walter. I hope to see you there over the October 13-14 weekend.

I was really hoping to come but its looking increasingly unlikely due to projects I have on the go. Next year I hope to be more free to travel, motorsport wise. I was hoping to catch up with you at some point this year Brian, but its not ment to be.

Looks like the Road America 500 in September 1960, where Briggs Cunningham Lister/Jaguar #62 was equipped with a camera during the race. Ed Hugus co-drove the car. The #60 is Walt Hansgen in Cunningham's Jaguar E2A, the #94 is Wayne Burnett's 250TR and the #28 is Bud Gates' Lister/Chevy.

The International Motor Racing Research Center is going to host TNFs RA Historian, Tom Schultz, as he discusses the history of the Road America circuit on Saturday October 13th in Watkins Glen, New York.

During my years of marshalling for the CART series, the race at Elkhart Lake was always one of the most anticipated road courses of the year, for myself and so many others. I look forward to making the trip to Watkins Glen to hear Tom's wonderful insight and knowledge of this great track and the community that supports it. We hope that some of you are able to make it too.

TRACK HISTORIAN TO DISCUSS ROAD AMERICA’S HISTORY AT INTERNATIONAL MOTOR RACING RESEARCH CENTER ON OCT. 13

WATKINS GLEN, NY (Sept. 18, 2012) – Road America, described as one of the world’s most challenging road-racing courses, will be in the spotlight at the International Motor Racing Research Center’s final installment of its popular 2012 Center Conversations series “America’s Great Tracks” on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Tom Schultz, track historian at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin's Road America since 2000, will speak at 1 p.m. at the Center, located at 601 S. Decatur St., Watkins Glen, N.Y. The talk is free and open to all.

“Tom Schultz is uniquely qualified to tell the story of Road America and the three-year history of racing on public roads through and near the village of Elkhart Lake that preceded the construction of the permanent circuit,” said J.C. Argetsinger, president of the Racing Research Center. “Road America and Watkins Glen have a long history of friendship and cooperation as the two most distinguished and successful American road racing venues.”

Road America was the vision of civil engineer Clif Tufte, who spent almost a year planning the 4.048-mile circuit, which opened on the weekend of Sept. 10-11, 1955.

Phil Hill won the inaugural 148-mile feature SCCA National race in a Ferrari Monza, finishing side-by-side with the D-type Jaguar of Sherwood Johnston.

Tufte built the track on 525 acres of farmland. Millions of dollars in improvements have been made over the years, but the original 14-turn configuration has never been altered, according to the track’s website at http://www.roadamerica.com/.

Schultz celebrated the track’s 50th anniversary in 2005 with the book “Road America: Celebrating 50 Years of Road Racing.” His first book was “Road America, Five Decades of Racing at Elkhart Lake,” published in 1999.

Over the years he has been a photographic contributor to more than 10 racing books published worldwide.

Schultz retired in 2008 as senior vice president of Tri City National Bank in Milwaukee, Wis., after a career in banking.

He attended his first car race in May 1956 and has been an active fan ever since. He was press officer for the SCCA’s Olds Pro Series in 1993 and press officer for the club’s North American Pro Series in 1994. He was assistant press officer for the SCCA Trans-Am Series from 1995-2000.

Schultz has been a contributing editor of Sports Car magazine since 1980, and since 2006 has served as master of ceremonies for the Milwaukee Masterpiece Concours d'Elegance.

The “America’s Great Tracks” series carries on the mission of the International Motor Racing Research Center to preserve the history of motorsports in all series, at all tracks. Previous speakers in the series were J.J. O’Malley, Daytona International Speedway; William Edgar, Riverside International Raceway; and Donald Davidson, Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Brian, having watched a great deal of US motorsport on TV over the years Road America seems to be the No1 to me. Great circuit, beautifull venue and it always seems to promote excellent racing.Laguna Seca has the corkscrew and Watkins seems to have an aura but Road America is the place.Ray Bell,, too many places to be and not enough time and money! Sounds like most travellers I know. Enjoy yourself

Looks like the Road America 500 in September 1960, where Briggs Cunningham Lister/Jaguar #62 was equipped with a camera during the race. Ed Hugus co-drove the car. The #60 is Walt Hansgen in Cunningham's Jaguar E2A, the #94 is Wayne Burnett's 250TR and the #28 is Bud Gates' Lister/Chevy.

all research : Willem Oosthoek

Thanks for the help on the rest of the cars, drivers and actual race these were taken.

Been to 'em all, and Road America is my favorite. But I was raised there, so bias is huge. Road Atlanta deserves inclusion on the short list as well.

I just spoke with Ray, he's a temporary Indianan now.;) I'm helping him with destinations to see, he's in good hands.

A very nice time was had in Watkins Glen for Tom Schultz's presentation on the history of the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. It was very nice to meet Ray Bell. The weather was cool, but the scenery was beautiful as usual. I'm a bit pressed for time, but wanted to post some photos from the weekend.

Good thing you didn't mention what I was explaining to Mike in that last one, Brian!

If nothing else (and there was plenty anyway), the trip(s) around the original Glen circuit were great. The crowd that gathered for the talks were informed and enthusiastic.

I have to say that I was somewhat humbled by being treated the way I was at the IMRRC and I hope I can one day make it back there. I also have a better appreciation of how they operate and what they are doing, it's a fantastic setup and deserves the support of people with the history of the sport in mind.

Thanks to Brian for posting those shots. If I had known what he was going to be doing with that first picture, I would have tried to hold my stomach in. Must have been the big meal the night before, courtesy of a most gracious host, Michael Argetsinger.

I had a great time and hope that my presentation went over well. I enjoyed meeting Michael Argetsinger, JC Argetsinger, Bill Green, and the staff at the IMRRC. Among the guests that made the weekend special were Brian Brown, Ray Bell, and COL Donald Capps, all of whom have been here on TNF. Throw in Joe Cali, who interviewed me for his radio show, plus drivers Oscar Koveleski and Bobby Brown, and all the knowledgeable attendees at the seminar and reception, and it was a great time indeed.

Got a trip around the old circuit and several laps on the current track. A great meal at the Seneca Lodge, which reeks with racing history.

Thanks for the photo's Brian. I am so sorry I could not make it to the center this past weekend, it would have been great to hook up again with everyone and to meet Ray and Don Capps.

I whole heartedly agree with the sentiments expressed in the above posts about visiting the IMRRC when you can. You will not be disappointed TNF wise and the Watkins Glen/Finger Lakes region have alot to offer for any traveller.

A very nice time was had in Watkins Glen for Tom Schultz's presentation on the history of the Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. It was very nice to meet Ray Bell. The weather was cool, but the scenery was beautiful as usual. I'm a bit pressed for time, but wanted to post some photos from the weekend.

photos: B²

Michael and Ray in Victory Lane.

Michael and Ray in the paddock as F2000 cars return after their session.

Pleased to see that you got to visit the circuit and see some cars on track. 41 entries in F2000 BTW.